[OOC] Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

[GambolMuse]

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The Kingdom of Adelon

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How do you reconcile magic and technology? Do you trade one for another, can they coexist, or will one ultimately erase the other? For the kingdom of Adelon, this question has still yet to be answered. Nestled between the kingdoms of Astia and Oscea, a once barren, uncivilized land has grown into one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Members of every race congregate to the great kingdom, seeking fortune in its world-reaching enterprises, or fame in numerous adventures. The dichotomy of ancient ways - life built on magic and worship of the Saints - contrasts the modern, sprawling cities. In Adelon it seems that anyone can find a way of life, it is the kingdom of opportunity and where dreams can be realized.

Or rather, it used to be. Some kingdoms have done well with combining magic and technology, Adelon is not among them. While the majority of its people's are content to change their way of life, there are some who still cling to the old ways. Magi - people of all races who are able to cast magic - are fighting against the changing tides. Whether due to spite, simple reluctance of change or a deeper reason, Magi have resisted the development of Adelon for a number of years. And at first their resistance was peaceful: protests, demonstrations, always non-violent, attempting to make their voices heard. An alarming cry rallied Magi to gatherings, desperate to gain the attention of the Church. Magic, it seemed, was vanishing from Adelon. There was no explanation, no cause, and from the Church, no acknowledgement or offer of assistance. After a number of years no progress was being made, little allowance was given to these people and the Church of the Nine Saints, ironically the leading religious body, pushed away from faith and magic. Feeling utterly abandoned some resigned themselves to their fates, others clung to what little they could. Others still took a more proactive - and often more violent approach.

It went about as well as one would expect. In tandem with the royal family and the kingdom's military, the Church led the way in stomping out pockets of resistance. Utilizing Magi who sided with them, as well as traditional forces, most were swept aside easily, and the few who weren't were forced into hiding. Change is inevitable, and time stops for no one. Many parties are invested in bringing Adelon into the modern era and they refuse to be stopped by something so petty as "the greed and ignorance of Magi".

In ages past, Magi were heralded as heroes and saviors. With their magical talents they had helped to colonize Adelon and seize her lands from beasts and bandits alike. They had been for many generations the strength of Adelon, the reason why a young, unproven kingdom had managed to survive, stuck between two hostile kingdoms. They had been integral to the development of the kingdom and were now being cast aside. So is it spite that they fight? Is it a feeling of betrayal? Step into the shoes of a Magi and help discover why Adelon is now turning on her champions.

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That brief introduction aside, welcome to Adelon! A kingdom currently caught in a massive paradigm shift, you'll take on the role of a Magi - an individual with talent in magics, as you try to make sense of what is happening around you. To keep things simple to start everyone who takes part will be fighting AGAINST the Church and the change in some capacity. We don't all have to be saboteurs and fighters, but your character probably has something at stake as far as losing your magic, and your way of life. Magic itself is fading from the kingdom and no one knows why, and the authority figures remain silent on the matter. They must know why, yet they refuse to tell anyone, or even acknowledge it. It's up to us to figure out why.

[GambolMuse]

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Magic and Technology

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Magic: How does it work?

Power in faith.

Note: For the beginning keep magic relatively simple! Unique magic is fine, but save really advanced spells/abilities for later on!

The widely accepted theory on magic is that Magi utilize energy in the world around them, as well as their own, to cast spells. By manipulating the nine elements found in the world and their own energies, Magi can craft a wide variety of spells. From healing to illusions, enchanting tools and weapons, something simple like fireballs, or animating golems, magic has nigh unlimited applications.

To cast magic requires both physical ability and mental aptitude. Even the youngest of Magi can cast a simple spell, but more advanced spellcraft often requires years and years of training. Incantations are not necessary, and while some spells utilize glyphs or sigils most can be conjured simply by willing it to be, and manipulating the energy around oneself.

Magic is not limited to simply elemental alignments. Most Magi do so simply because it is easier, as combining elements in the correct proportions for a spell is difficult. Fire and earth can be combined for magma, air and ice can be combined to create a hailstorm, the variations are as many as they are complex. Some magics are wholly unique to an individual as well, and though these tend to be rare some are known to be hereditary and passed down through a family.

Technology of Adelon

Technology in Adelon is wide and varied. From appliances to weaponry, steam powered ships and tools, the kingdom has enjoyed numerous inventions over the past few decades. Its technological affinity gives it a military and production boon few other kingdoms can match. Production of almost every device and equipment is carried out in the intermediary towns and cities, then either distributed through the kingdom or sent to the coastal cities for trade. Regular citizens can afford most appliances, though not every town or settlement has the power to run devices. Luckily, not every device runs on electricity.

The existence of Demacite allows for some machinery to operate without being connected to a power grid. A naturally occurring gemstone, demacite is renown for its ability to "soak" and retain magical energy. Using extractors and specially designed circuitry, many appliances can use raw magical energy as a replacement for electrical, and depending on the purity and size of the crystal can power a device for periods of time. Think batteries!

In addition to everything else that Adelon has, there is a class of machinery that only this kingdom has: Machina. They are the most advanced machinery created bar none. Humanoid in appearance, these machines act as servants, as workers in assembly lines, and in general, physical labor fields. Powered by Demacite gems and programmed uniquely for their assigned task, they enable Adelon's people to work on more specialized jobs. The Church is ecstatic about the advent of Machina and grants companies developing them large sums of gold, incentivizing companies to continue development and research.

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Church of the Nine Saints

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"And so they ascended, surpassing the mortal coil and becoming gods."

Look anywhere and you'll see the Church's lauding of their Saints. Figures who are linked to the founding of the kingdom, who united to drive back any and all threats that would prevent Adelon's formation. Said to be Magi of unrivaled power they were praised as gods among men, and when the kingdom finally formed they were treated as such. For some, worshiping idols and false gods might seem as heresy. But when these men and women passed and the kingdom seemed uncertain in her future, something was needed to fill the void. People needed some way to find solace and refuge in Adelon's earliest days. For this purpose the Church formed, and for a time that was all they offered to their people. Facilitating the worship of these heroes-turned-gods, the Church steadily gained influence and power within the kingdom. Enough so that within the last century their influence not only matched that of the royal family, but exceeded it.

With so much power the Church could dictate policy and influence governing decisions as it saw fit. When the technological revolution began it played its cards close to its chest, perpetuating the worship of Saints as businesses slowly began to take hold. Once it became apparent these new machines were here to stay they shifted their focus, pledging most of their resources to the companies which would bring Adelon into the future. Worship became an afterthought, and with it many people ceased attending services which had once been routine. Numerous buildings closed the kingdom over, and most of the Church's people were instead trained to deal in business.

This was a move that angered Magi. With magic dwindling and the Church all but taking away worship they were left with little recourse but to fight back. A series of failed attacks led the Church to mount a counter-offensive, utilizing Magi and soldiers to stomp out any pockets of resistance. Though the majority of incidents were successfully ended, the Church still saw fit to instill a new series of laws. In short, these laws made the practice of unapproved magic punishable, and any Magi who practiced without the Church's explicit permission faced heavy penalties. The Saints would understand, they argued, they too would want Adelon to continue to grow. And they will not allow anyone to get in the way of progress.

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The Nine Saints

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Credited as founders of Adelon and unparalleled masters of magic, the Saints are Magi who have ascended into godhood. Each Saint was renown for their power over one of the nine elements, and when the Church was formed each was aptly named a patron of their element. They are as follows:

• Ralthor - the Saint of Fire.
• Xalia - the Saint of Void.
• Genrei - the Saint of Water.
• Edos - the Saint of Luminous.
• Ferra - the Saint of Earth.
• Kedo - the Saint of Air.
• Zorander - the Saint of Shadows.
• Oranoak - the Saint of Wood.
• Suros - the Saint of Ruin.

These nine represent not only the elements, but the phenomenon in the world which concern them. Zorander is often spoken as the one who brings about the night, for example. And if a sailor has trouble at sea it is said they have angered Genrei. Many small churches were formed for worship of a single Saint, though the larger ones tend to incorporate all nine.

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Church Hunters

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The Hunters are Magi responsible for handling other Magi. Affiliated with the Church and bearing an insignia, these Magi are given autonomy to act as they see fit, taking care of Magi who refuse to conform to the new laws. In terms of authority they are above the guards posted in cities and towns, and in some cases can exert their power over military personnel as well. A Hunter's word is absolute, and refusal to comply rarely goes well for Magi.

That said they are still limited in what they can do. Seeking Magi is not a witch hunt and they cannot blindly charge people with crimes, they must provide solid evidence both to the Church and the local authorities that their target is indeed a Magi. Hunters have taken their roles with varying approaches: some only seek to uphold the peace, some enforce the law to the letter, and other still seek any excuse they can to exert their authority, often abusing their power.

[GambolMuse]

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Races of Adelon

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Muran

Humans, in the simplest terms. The most numerous of races in Adelon, and thus disproportionately holding the most positions of power within the kingdom. As the leader of the Nine Saints himself was a Muran, many credit themselves as being the true leaders. The result of this mindset has brought about no small degree of discrimination and bias towards other races of peoples. Murans - particularly in the larger cities - often own companies which employ other races, and often times they are treated as little more than cattle. Not to say that all Murans are bad, far from it, but it only takes a few to give them a bad name. Within the major cities and settlements they are viewed favorably, as the majority of those locales feature predominantly Muran populations. Other regions of the kingdom are less welcoming, some less so than others.

Murans are arguably the weakest race in terms of magic. Powerful Muran Magi do exist, but their numbers are far and few between. To make up for their shortcomings they accelerated technology and its development, being one of the chief proponents of the change in culture of the kingdom. It should come as little surprise then that the Murans benefit the most from this change, while other races - far more attuned to magic and the environment at large - suffer for it. And the Church - another predominantly Muran construct - is only too happy to support these changes.

Divined

No race of people are more magically adept than the Divined. Graceful beings with soft features, vibrantly colored hair, unusually pale skin and renown for their temperament, the Divined are the poster child for the current events of Adelon. Reliant so much on magic and the perpetuation of its use they have suffered by far the most with these changes. Though unrivaled in spellcraft they are physically weaker than other races, and more susceptible to illness without magic. Many have gone into cities to act as healers, or join the Church for an opportunity to practice magic without fear of punishment. Those who do not have built up small communities well out of reach of the Church,
becoming isolated as they cling to their way of life and the practice of magic. When in the cities, Divined have a tendency to wear concealing clothing, trying to mask themselves as much as possible for fear of scrutiny.

Dimuran

Physiologically similar to Murans - hence the name - Dimurans are a hardy peoples. In place of body hair they grow scales, tough enough to match some forms of armor. Horns sprout from their heads, tails are grown, and their irises are often slits. Many people liken their appearance to that of dragons, though they are more Muran in appearance than beast. Originating mainly from deserts of neighboring kingdoms, Dimurans have mostly taken up residence along Adelon's rocky plateaus and near geothermal vents. They are considered brutish by nature, known to be a warring peoples and highly aggressive. With their tendency for combat they have also gained an unfortunate label of being the dullest of all races, and any jobs given to Dimurans tend to consist of menial labor or mercenary work. Their martial prowess is exceptional as they are trained to fight at an early age, and very few would consider themselves an equal to them in combat. Plenty would think they could outwit one however.

Varuna

Where the Dimura took to plateaus and fiery chasms for their home, Varuna found their homes in the shores of Adelon - and sometimes beneath the waves. Aquatic humanoids, the Varuna are stout, have brightly colored skin with varied patterns, webbed digits, and large eyes ideal for seeing in low light settings. All Varuna are capable of breathing under water - very few are naturally able to breathe on land. To remedy this their people developed a breathing apparatus while on land, allowing them to spend extended periods out of the water. Their knowledge of Adelon's waterways and the sea is unparalleled, and one will be hard pressed to find a better helmsman or guide across the kingdom. Constant travel has made them exceptional as traders as well, and many merchants are Varuna. Their propensity for water is twofold: some have taken to the less amicable side of things and become pirates. When set upon one of Adelon's bodies of water travelers would be well pressed to exercise caution until they know what kind of Varuna they are dealing with.

Ydra

The Ydra are a nomadic race of hunter-gatherers. Originally hailing from Adelon's forests and the northern steppes, they like many other races have dispersed throughout the kingdom. A proud race, and deservedly so, they are renown for their knowledge of the land, as well as their exceptional sense of sight and hearing. A pure-blooded Ydra has angular features and long ears, though in every other sense resemble Murans. Having been so close to nature for so long, Ydrans are particularly sensitive to the energies around them, similar to the Divined. This connection to the world gives them the second highest rate of Magi of any race. Ydra are exceptional in the way they are able to tame and breed animals. Nearly all Ydra outside of the city has an animal companion, and the more dangerous a beast, the more successful they are seen as a tamer. Some keep their companions in the city as pets as well, though this can be tricky depending on the animal.

Naga

The Naga are the newest race to join the lands of Adelon. Having only begun migrating to the kingdom within the last few decades, they are still seen as an uncertainty by many. Naga have had an increasingly difficult time adapting to the customs of the kingdom and its laws, and the Church's reluctance to fully welcome them as citizens as opposed to refugees leaves them open to discrimination. Within cities they are often shunned and at times even openly beaten, with many establishments refusing to serve what they deem "thieves" and "leeches". In some regards these harsh labels are not without merit - many Naga have been forced to take to unsavory lifestyles to make ends meet. In appearance they are humanoid-serpents: their torsos and heads resemble Muran features, though they have scales in place of skin, and their facial features resemble that of snakes. Their lower bodies are more that of a serpent, with their entire body being covered in scales and often sporting a variety of patterns and colors.

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Character Sheet

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Keeping these brief because I personally think it's more fun to reveal things IC. That said, write as much as you feel necessary!

Name: (Don't worry too much about naming conventions, but try being creative! A Varuna named "Chuck" would be unusual.)

Race: (From the "Races of Adelon" list above.)

Age: (Don't go too young, and don't go so old we have to carry oxygen tanks with us!)

Appearance: (An image or description is fine, or both if you really want to!)

Magic: (Doesn't need to be a specific element, and feel free to be creative with your magic! That said, do try keeping elements in mind.)

Gear: (This will change obviously as we go. But to start with, what does your character usually carry?)

Brief history: (Just a paragraph or two. We don't need a life story, even a scene will do, just something to tell us who your character is.)

[GambolMuse]

FINALLY done! It's a lot of reading, but that's everything we'll need to get started :)

[Artymis]

Still got space?

[GambolMuse]

@Artymis

Sure do! Giving it a bit before we get things running.

[shylarah]

I've no idea what to do about Amune anymore.

[Raylah]

Hello, this RP seems very interesting, hope you will get enough people to start it. Let me know what you think about the character - Im not sure if the magic isnt too strong combined with the fighting potential of the companion. I tried to stick to the race description as much as possible, but I do admit there is some World of Warcraft inspiration :)

Yarri

Name: Yarri (with her black cougar Shaela)
Race: Ydra

Age: 26
Appearance:

image

Magic:

• Beast vision – Yarri can see through Shaela’s eyes – the more distance between them, the more difficult the spell is.
• Hunter’s mark – Yarri can put a spell on her intended target (even from some distance), which allows her to track it – she feels certain subconscious attraction in a direction of her target.
• Freezing arrows – Yarri can use her magic while shooting, to give the arrows a chance to freeze the target in place for a moment.

Gear:
Bow and arrows and a set of javelins – Yarri is an excellent marksman and a hunter. She is proficient in most forms of long-range combat, but tries to avoid close-range combat as much as possible.

Brief history:
Yarri, like most her people, has always felt a close connection to the nature. She resents modern human creations, technology most of all. She prefers wandering around the forests and jungles with just her animal companion – giant black cougar named Shaela. Yarri isn’t a people person, she has very little skill communicating with others, regardless of their age, gender or race.

She is very respected amongst her people, because taming a black cougar is not an easy job even for older and more experience Ydra. Yarri managed to do it when she was only 20. As a result of this unwanted fame, she has received many marriage proposals from other famous hunters from her tribe. She refused them all. She could hardly be around people for a few days, she couldn't imagine being bound to an almost complete stranger for the rest of her life.

[GambolMuse]

@Raylah

The only thing I'd say - for now anyways - is maybe pick either the fire OR ice arrows. Really it's not so bad having both, but trying to keep characters relatively simple to start :) The tracking's fine on both accounts, I like it!

[Raylah]

@Vena Sera No problem, I removed the flaming arrows.

[GambolMuse]

@Raylah

Then looks like you're all good!

[Pascal]

A few modifications to Adrianna from the original game, but she is posted.

[GambolMuse]

Looks a-ok to me! :D

[GambolMuse]

Well there's the first IC post, figured didn't have to be anything massive. Let 'er rip, guys!

[shylarah]

@Vena Sera I"m currently a mess, and may be delayed. Hopefully not significantly. X.x

[Pascal]

Hey all, I know what I want to post but I've got the flu, so I might not get the post done tonight.

[GambolMuse]

Get to it when you can guys, goodness knows its a busy time of year, other business aside!

[shylarah]

whoops forgot to post this

Name: Amuné Ris

Race: half-Ydra

Age: 10 years

Appearance: Amuné looks like a normal Muran child at first glance, with the signs of her Ydran heritage only evident upon closer examination. She is on the smaller side, lacking the slight chubbiness of most younglings, and she's grown thinner since leaving home behind. Her features have a sharp cast, though her ears are not so pointed that one couldn't claim they fall within the standard range for Murans. Her coloring is washed out, with pale mousy hair cut at her jawline and light grey eyes. At the moment, her clothes are ragged and stained, her hair untidy, and her face splotched with grime. She travels in the company of Wyth, a large moorcat.

Magic: untrained Seer

Gear: Amuné has next to nothing in the way of possessions. She has a beltknife and a child's sling along with a handful of nice stones.

Background: Amuné is the child of an Ydran Magi with an affinity for wind that settled down with a Muran healer in a backwoods town. She was not registered, as her magic was not apparent until well beyond when most children start showing signs of their gifts. Her father stopped using his magic publically years ago, but her mother ran a Church-approved clinic. As a registered healer, the young woman earned enough goodwill that the matter of her family didn't become a real issue for several years. Amuné's father was never officially acknowledged, but it's a rather open secret.

The people of Pinesgrove turned on her family, meaning to kick her father out if not worse. Things went very terribly wrong, and now Amuné is alone save for Wyth, and on the run. News of a fire and a riot have spread, but she is terribly frightened after what happened, and has avoided people whenever possible in the weeks since. She lacks a few key skills and supplies to survive on her own, even with Wyth's help, and she's growing desperate.


Name: Wyth

Species: moorcat

Age: 12 years

Gender: male

Appearance: Wyth has an appearance typical to moorcats. He is a large feline, standing nearly two and a half feet at the shoulder, with a thick, slightly shaggy coat of mottled gray and brown, with a lighter gray and cream underbelly. His paws are proportionally larger, to help distribute his weight on the often sodden and muddy ground of the moors and marshland. His eyes are pale green, on the yellower side of the hue.

Background: Wyth comes from a line of moorcats that live with Amuné's father's tribe. He imprinted on Baldur as a kitten, and has accompanied him ever since. When Baldur fell for Amira and eventually went to live in her village, Wyth joined them. The moorcat is very fond of their daughter, Amuné, and treats her like he might a kitten.

Additional info: Originally the companion of Amuné's father, he now stays with the girl and guards her, looking after her as best he can. He's reasonably intelligent, and knows a number of different commands.

[Raylah]

@shylarah seems that big cats are popular companions

[shylarah]

@Raylah Amuné has had either a large cat or a kitten plush since her very first appearance, years ago. Though I'd like to think I know her better and write her better now.